Blood drive, Go Fund Me set up for Richmond County deputy shot in the line of duty

Shepeard Community Blood Center will play host to a blood drive for the Richmond County sheriff’s deputy who earlier this month was shot in the line of duty.

In the minutes following the shooting, Shepeard was alerted that deputy Kenneth Mercer may require a massive blood transfusion, according to a news release from the blood center. Blood from dozens of Shepeard donors was immediately readied for use.

Shepeard, along with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Mercer’s family, are asking for the public’s support by donating blood on Friday at the Augusta Municipal Building at 535 Telfair St.

The drive will be held inside the Linda Beazley Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the release. A financial donation on behalf of each blood donor will be made to Mercer’s recovery efforts.

“Please consider being a blood donor to immediately replenish the units used to save the life of Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kenneth Mercer, the victim of a senseless shooting. More importantly, donate today and as often as you can to benefit all those in need of lifesaving blood,” said Sheriff Richard Roundtree.

Donors are encouraged to go to shepeardblood.org to make an appointment. Donors unable to attend Friday can visit any Shepeard blood drive and ask the staff to credit their donation to Mercer’s account.

Augusta shooting:Multiple people injured in shooting on Vandivere Road in Augusta

Go Fund Me for slain 15-year-old:Family of slain 15-year-old creates Go Fund Me for funeral expenses

Go Fund Me fundraiser set up for Mercer

A Go Fund Me fundraiser was set up on July 9 by Mercer’s daughter to help with Mercer’s recovery costs.

“This past Saturday my Dad was unfortunately shot in the line of duty,” Mercer’s daughter, Destiny McQuerns, wrote on the site. “He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery and thankfully pulled through but it’s going to be a very long healing and recovery process. I would love to be able to raise funds to help him out where he needs it. Please help us reach our goal so my Dad can just worry about getting better!”

The fundraiser, which had a goal of $25,000, has raised more than $13,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.

Donations to the Go Fund Me can be made at https://bit.ly/3K1ZfDv.